Lutzka, Lusk and Renner Among Gold Medalists at X Games Mexico
September 20, 2008 – 10:10 pm PT by GregTags: Greg Lutzka, Jeremy Lusk, Ronnie Renner, X Games —
X Games Mexico began today with Moto X and Skate events and at the end of the day Americans found their way to the top of each podium.
In the Skateboard Street, Greg Lutzka defended his gold from last year with a score of 92.07 while recent Dew Tour winner Chaz Ortiz came in second. Tyler Hendley took third.
In the Moto X Best Trick contest Jeremy Lush won first with Adam Jones and Todd Potter following. Ronnie Renner scored the gold in Moto X Step Up.
Keep reading for the full breakdown of action from Saturday.
Americans Sweep Day One in Skateboard Street, Moto X Best Trick and Moto X Step Up in Day One at X Games Mexico
Palacio de los Deportes and Sold-Out Skateboard Street Venue Filled with Roaring Crowd
Mexico City, Mexico – The first day of competition at X Games Mexico kicked off in Mexico City today as an enthusiastic crowd of 10,730 greeted the world-class group of international athletes. Fans celebrated the second year of the event as they watched final competitions in Skateboard Street, Moto X Best Trick and Moto X Step Up at the Palacio de los Deportes.
“We are very pleased to bring X Games Mexico back to our city for a second consecutive year,” said Gerardo Casanova, managing director, ESPN Mexico. “The success of today’s events is proof of the ever-growing action sports fan-base in the city and I am looking forward to even more energy and excitement tomorrow.”
Skateboard Street Final
A sold out venue drew crowds of enthusiastic, cheering fans who filled the stands as skate competitors dazzled with spins, kickflips and gravity-defying tricks. The international lineup included athletes from Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and the US. However, it was the Americans that swept the podium in the competition. Greg Lutzka defended his 2007 X Games Mexico gold medal by stomping tricks on virtually every course feature. His front side 270 noseblunt was what wowed the judges and earned him a winning score of 92.07.
“It’s really good to be back here in Mexico. I couldn’t believe how many people were out there cheering us on,” said Lutzka. “All these guys killed it, but Chaz Ortiz is the new kid to check out – you’ll be seeing more of him. Everyone treats us so well around the world at these different competitions and it’s just a pleasure to be here. I’m psyched.”
Silver medal went to 14-year-old Ortiz who showcased his smooth and aggressive style in an impressive run that included an ollie big spin over bump-to-bump and kickflip back lip over handrail.
“It’s my first time in Mexico City and my first X Games ever, so I couldn’t ask for anything more. It is an honor for me to be here,” said Ortiz on his podium finish. He finished with a score of 91.60.
First-time X Games Mexico competitor Tyler Hendley earned the bronze medal with a score of 85.47.
Moto X Best Trick
The sea of spectators shifted their focus to the arena as X Games 14 Best Trick silver medalist Jeremy Lusk dominated the Best Trick field with a kiss of death back flip. In his second X Games Mexico appearance, Lusk responded to the crowd’s cheers and earned a score of 92.00.
“It feels really good to win. The fans here are pumped up and appreciate that we’re here. I watched my opponents in practice today and stuck with tricks I knew I could land,” said Lusk on what gave him the advantage in today’s competition.
Adam Jones took home the silver medal with his second jump, a dead body backflip that earned him a score of 90.67, but also stunned the crowd with his first jump, his signature Shaolin backflip.
Todd Potter rounded out the competition with the bronze medal and a score of 90.00.
Moto X Step Up
Ronnie Renner edged out his competitors in his X Games Mexico debut as he successfully launched himself 9.14 meters (29.99 feet) into the air and over the bar.
“I came here to take the gold and wasn’t leaving Mexico City without it. People here are amazing, and it’s an honor to come here and ride for the people. To hear them cheering is a real inspiration to win,” said Renner.
X Games Mexico will wrap up tomorrow with BMX Freestyle Street, Moto X Freestyle and Best Whip finals.
